I’m writing this on Sunday evening and it’s been an emotionally draining day. After all, it’s not every day you send a son off to college.

He leaves tomorrow, and I feel like Andy’s mom in Toy Story 3. Remember that scene when she goes in his room and has a flashback of his boyhood and growing up years? Yep, that’s pretty much been me all day.

Tomorrow is the first day of school for me, so there’s anticipation all over the place – and so much to do!

It’s so bittersweet, this growing up thing. He’s doing what we’ve raised them to do, and I’m so proud of him! But I miss his little hand in mine, chubby arms around my neck, and that unmistakable sweet baby scent.

I know it’s the way of things. It’s a natural part of life, and I’d feel I had missed so much if he never got to this point. But my heart aches, all the same.

So what do I do? I open my tightly clenched fists and let go. I look up the path, and there’s another mom who’s been there, with her hand outstretched. I drop my pride and accept her support.

But I don’t stop looking – I glance behind me and see a mom who needs encouragement. What good is my experience if I don’t share it? And personally, I look up, for I know that’s where my real help comes from.

The ache subsides. It will hit me again at times, but I’m encouraged.I know I’m not alone.

I feel your pain...My girls have left a number of time for mission trips, and then my son left for a job Out West...but they all do come home again even if just for a visit.God will get you through these difficult first weeks, but yes, those emotions are so real and so natural for us....we raised them with heart and soul:)Grace for your week!Joanne

Thanks for sharing your heart!(i saw your book in the catalog that comes to my mailbox (cbd)!!!! Yay for you!!!I am gonna recommend your book to a young woman who is joining my small group (pray for me...I begin leading a moms small group in Sept and we are doing the book "Got Teens?") anyways..my friend has 2 boys plus her hubby and feels outnumbered sometimes! :)God's blessings to you as you begin school today and for your son as he is off to college. I'll be feeling like you in one year from now!! Time goes by so fast!!!!! and amen...our Help comes from above!!

Whew! This post brought tears to my eyes! I've been struggling with enjoying the moment with my 16 month old son who's in to EVERYTHING and still very dependent on me for so much. He's my third child and sometimes I just want this stage behind me. But this is a reminder that I'll be in your shoes one day and I should cherish each moment that I have to get him to stop taking stuff out of the trash or have to go running because I hear him playing in the toilet after one of the other kids left the door to the bathroom open. LOL!

I'm bawling. Just like I did at that part in Toy Story 3. I know how fast it goes. And I want to do every thing I possibly can to enjoy every moment of this, and yet it is still slipping through my fingers.

My prayers go out to you and your son and the rest of your family during this exciting, emotional, joyful, melancoly time.

And also??? You do NOT look old enough to have a son going to college. How do you do that? :)

Laura, I enjoyed seeing you today in my comments box, and no, reading your beautiful, bittersweet post. My baby is going to kindergarten in nine days, and although that may seem a thing to envy, each of these transitions is bittersweet. I have a feeling it's going to hit me a little harder than I have been thinking. With four others before him, the goal has been to scoot him off into the world too. And yet, I have adored my last two years with just him. He's so excited for school, but a knot is forming in my stomach, because these precious years do go by quickly. There's just no way around it.

By the way, congrats on your forthcoming book! How exciting. Sounds like one I'd enjoy. A debut book is a wonderful thing -- few things compare. Enjoy every moment of the launch!

Ohhhhh! I am thinking of you today (Tuesday) -- it's the big day, yes? I hope all went well. Letting go is tough...but you and your husband have done such an incredible job with your boys. I am really in awe of you!

BTW, that is SO cute that your son left a comment on your blog. I can only hope mine will do the same someday!

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ARE YOU OUTNUMBERED?

Overwhelmed? Surrounded?

I’ve spent most of my “mom life” outnumbered … by four sons!

It’s easy for a mom to feel outnumbered today, to feel isolated and alone. But we really can’t do it all alone.

Moms need each other, not to mention a touch of something greater than us.

Along the way I’ve stumbled on a few ways to cope with this “mom life.” I’m here to share and to learn from you, too.

Whether you mother an infant, a toddler or a teen, an empty nest or a full one, you're not alone.

No matter what kind of mom you are – no matter what’s outnumbering you today – there’s hope and help.

Hang on, Mom!

LAURA LEE GROVES

The mother of four boys, a writer, and a teacher, my heart is for moms. Ours is the noblest profession, and we can't do it all alone. Read on to help yourself, your family, your spirit, and to find ways to reach out to other moms.

TO CONTACT ME, see my Mom Speaks tab above.

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